Australia is home to an incredible array of parrots and cockatoos.
One of the most well-known is the Australian King Parrot.
This beautiful bird is easily recognised for its stunning colours.
The male bird has a vibrant red head and chest, green back and blue rump.
Female birds have a green head and back with red on the lower part of their chest.
Australian King Parrots can be seen in a number of habitats, natural and man-made, including rainforests, coastal woodlands, gardens, wet and dry eucalypt forest and well-vegetated creeklines. Birds are usually seen in pairs or small groups.
Young adults can be seen following adults around profusely calling in January and February.
This bird, like most parrots, require tree hollows to nest in.
Their favoured food is fruit which can make them unpopular with anyone growing fruit as the birds have readily adapted to using this food source.
Thankfully, Australian King Parrots are common across their range which takes in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
Most of these populations are situated in coastal areas with suitable habitat that is extensive.
The birds have adapted to modified landscapes adjacent to these areas.
One of the best places to see this bird is in the mountainous areas of the Gold Coast hinterland.
If you are lucky enough to live in these areas, these birds can be regular visitors looking for a free feed.
I have one that regular drops by when he sees me outside but I only offer water!
Their colours are truly vivid and I have known overseas visitors that are just blown away by them.
They are not hard birds to see and a short walk in the right habitat, one will definitely show up!
